India on Thursday leveraged its BRICS presidency to advance cooperation in emerging energy technologies, as member countries adopted guiding principles on smart grids and energy storage and launched a digital platform to enhance sectoral collaboration. The decisions were made during the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, held under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to energy security, affordable access, innovation, and resilient energy infrastructure.
Launch of BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids
A key outcome of the meeting was the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform. This centre will serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and exchange of policy and regulatory best practices among BRICS nations.
Additionally, the ministers adopted the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage, signaling the bloc’s intent to strengthen modern power systems capable of supporting large-scale renewable energy integration.
India’s Energy Transition Highlights
Addressing the meeting, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal emphasized that developing countries require adequate time, resources, and policy space to pursue sustainable development while ensuring energy access and security. He highlighted India’s energy transition, noting that the country has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of electricity, with installed power capacity nearing 540 GW and more than half derived from non-fossil fuel sources.
According to the minister, India’s solar capacity grew from about 3 GW in 2014 to over 154 GW. He outlined plans to achieve more than 400 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2032 and expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047. He also pointed to India’s achievement of 20 percent ethanol blending ahead of schedule.
Theme and Focus Areas
The meeting, guided by the theme “Energy for All,” focused on energy security, affordable access, and innovation in areas such as hydrogen, biofuels, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and energy storage. Ministers also welcomed progress on a BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains for 2026.
In the joint communiqué, BRICS countries reaffirmed that energy security remains a cornerstone of cooperation. They called for stronger collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen, biofuels, critical minerals, energy efficiency, and other emerging technologies, while emphasizing affordable financing for developing economies.
The ministers appreciated India’s leadership during its BRICS presidency and agreed to continue advancing cooperation on building secure, affordable, sustainable, and resilient energy systems. China will assume the BRICS chairship in 2027.
